from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Astonishment \As*ton"ish*ment\, n. [Cf. OF. estonnement, F.
['e]tonnement.]
1. The condition of one who is stunned. Hence: Numbness; loss
of sensation; stupor; loss of sense. [Obs.]
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A coldness and astonishment in his loins, as folk
say. --Holland.
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2. Dismay; consternation. [Archaic] --Spenser.
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3. The overpowering emotion excited when something
unaccountable, wonderful, or dreadful is presented to the
mind; an intense degree of surprise; amazement.
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Lest the place
And my quaint habits breed astonishment. --Milton.
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4. The object causing such an emotion.
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Thou shalt become an astonishment. --Deut.
xxviii. 37.
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Syn: Amazement; wonder; surprise.
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